The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See Between Anniston and Montgomery, Alabama

Greetings, fellow road trippers! We all know there's nothing like hitting the open road and discovering new places to explore. If you're looking for an adventure, then let me introduce you to the driving route from Anniston to Montgomery, Alabama. This journey is filled with beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant culture of the Deep South. So, grab your map, turn up the radio and let's hit the road!

Starting from Anniston, Alabama, set your coordinates to Montgomery, the state's capital, and let the adventure begin. As you journey through the heart of Alabama, enjoy the mix of scenic drives and cultural attractions that you'll find along the way. You're guaranteed to discover beautiful scenery and experience different aspects of Southern culture. So, let's explore the top places that you shouldn't miss.

The Natural Bridge Park

Your first stop is Natural Bridge Park, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Jasper and 88 miles north of Montgomery. This park features one of the longest natural bridges in the world, as well as a small waterfall and a creek. Formed by erosion over millions of years, the sandstone bridge is 60 feet tall, 148 feet long and 148 feet wide. Visitors can access the bridge via a 400ft walking trail from the parking lot.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's unspoiled forests and wildlife. A nature trail leads visitors down to the creek mouth and features 2.5 miles of hiking through stunning scenery. If you're planning a picnic, the park has several picnic tables and benches, as well as restrooms for your convenience. Whether you're a photographer, adventure seeker or just into natural beauty, Natural Bridge Park should be on your list of places to discover on this road trip.

The Edmund Pettus Bridge

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a symbol of the civil rights movement struggle that took place in the 1960s. Located in Selma, Alabama, the bridge spans the Alabama River and was the site of the historic marches led by civil rights activists, and ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The bridge is named after Edmund Pettus, a Civil War general and leader of the Ku Klux Klan, whose statue once stood outside the Alabama state capitol.

The bridge is open to visitors and is part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The museum features exhibits about the bridge and its significance in the civil rights movement. You'll be able to see for yourself the view that thousands of marchers saw as they crossed the bridge on their journey. A visit to the Edmund Pettus Bridge is a must for anyone who wants to understand the history of the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality.

The Lowndes Interpretive Center

Your next stop is the Lowndes Interpretive Center, located in White Hall, AL. This site is a tribute to the activists who worked tirelessly to secure voting rights for African Americans in Lowndes County. During the 1960s, activists in the county lived in poverty with limited access to basic resources, yet worked to overcome systemic barriers to voting.

Today, the center showcases an interactive exhibition designed to educate visitors on the history of the Voting Rights Movement and the role played by the Lowndes County Freedom Organization. Exhibits include photos, oral histories, and artifacts from the movement. Visitors can explore exhibits that cover both the successes and challenges faced by civil rights activists in the region. A visit to the Lowndes Interpretive Center is a reminder of the struggle for equality in Alabama and what those who fought for equal rights went through.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival

For a change of pace, visit the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery. Known as one of the largest and most popular Shakespearean festivals in the world, the festival offers performances throughout the year. The theater is situated in a beautiful 250-acre park and features an indoor and outdoor stage. The amphitheater offers a spectacular backdrop for the summer performances.

Apart from Shakespearean plays, the festival offers a range of contemporary plays and musicals. The facility also houses drama camps, workshops, and educational programs. A visit to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is ideal for theatre lovers, Shakespeare aficionados or anyone who wants to experience the arts and culture of Alabama.

The Civil Rights Memorial

Lastly, the Civil Rights Memorial should be your final stop on this road trip from Anniston to Montgomery. The memorial is located in downtown Montgomery and designed by Maya Lin, who also created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The commemoration honors those who lost their lives during the civil rights movement, including Viola Liuzzo, James Reeb, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The memorial design is a circular wall with running water etched with the names of those who lost their lives during the civil rights movement. Beyond the wall is a black granite table with the final words of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech etched on it. The speech's concluding words, "We shall overcome," are an anthem to all who fought and gave their lives for the cause of civil rights. A visit to the Civil Rights Memorial is one of the most significant ways to honor the individuals who fought for equal rights.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top places to see on your road trip from Anniston to Montgomery, Alabama. From the natural beauty of Natural Bridge Park to the cultural significance of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Lowndes Interpretive Center, from the performances of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival to the solemnity of the Civil Rights Memorial, this journey promises something for everyone. So, pack your bags sit back and discover the best of the Deep South on this unforgettable road trip adventure.